GaiavsZeus

Gaia and Zeus are popular bittering hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Gaia

Bittering

Alpha acid

12–15%

Beta acid

5–10%

Total oil

1.5–2.5 mL

Czech Republic

Zeus

Bittering

Alpha acid

13–17.5%

Beta acid

4–6.5%

Total oil

2.4–4.5 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Gaia

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

When to pick Zeus

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Gaia

HoppySpicy

Only in Zeus

Black currantLicoriceCurryPungent

Property

PropertyGaiaZeus
Alpha acid12–15%13–17.5%
Beta acid5–10%4–6.5%
Co-humulone20–29%28–40%
Total oil1.5–2.5 mL2.4–4.5 mL
Myrcene23–37%45–60%
Humulene2–4%9–18%
Caryophyllene9–12%6–11%
Farnesene5–7%0–1%
OriginCzech RepublicUnited States
PurposeBitteringBittering

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